Code of Conduct “Respect”
At ETH Zurich, people from different cultural backgrounds and in many varied roles and disciplines study, research and work together. Diversity is one of our strengths – and at the same time a challenge: wherever different people come together, there has to be mutual respect.
The Code of Conduct acts as a guideline:
At ETH Zurich, we treat each other professionally and with mutual respect. We all share responsibility for this: professors, students, lecturers and researchers, as well as scientific, administrative and technical staff, and academic guests.
Respect and responsibility
We foster a responsible and supportive environment where people treat each other respectfully regardless of: function; education; origin; race1; gender; age; language; social status; lifestyle; religious, ideological or political beliefs; sexual orientation and gender identity; physical, intellectual or mental disability; or professional status.
We work together to ensure that everyone – regardless of their role and function – behaves in a professional and role-appropriate manner during work and that dependent or hierarchical relationships are not exploited to the detriment of another person.
Open and fair communication, conflict resolution
We communicate openly with each other, in a spirit of goodwill. Conflicts are resolved in a fair and objective manner to produce an effective solution. Our culture is built on trust and we welcome constructive criticism. We support an open leadership culture based on dialogue.
Integrity and honesty
We work together in a constructive and honest fashion where personal integrity is key. The methods, data, workflows, and results of our scientific research are documented faithfully. A clear distinction is always made between our own work and the work of others, and all sources are cited correctly. Young researchers are encouraged and promoted in a responsible manner.
1 The term “race” implies the fact that racial categorisation of people is a social construct and has no biological basis.
Any infringement of the Respect Code of Conduct will result in disciplinary measures or formal action being taken under employment regulations. ETH Zurich does not tolerate the following behaviour, in particular:
Discrimination
Discrimination of people because of actual, attributed or group-specific characteristics such as: function; education; origin; race1; gender; age; language; social status; lifestyle; religious, ideological or political views; sexual orientation and gender identity; physical, intellectual or mental disability; or professional status.
Sexual harassment
Any behaviour that adversely affects the dignity of persons studying or working at the university.
This includes sexist jokes; suggestive, disparaging or contemptuous remarks or actions; displaying or disseminating pornographic material; undesired physical contact or the exploitation of a dependent relationship.
Bullying
Bullying involves persistent and systematic harassment over an extended period with the aim of discrediting, isolating or socially excluding a person or gradually driving them out of their job or study programme.
Examples include put-downs and exclusion, withholding information, assignment of humiliating tasks and unjustified criticism.
Threats, stalking and violence
Actions through which other people are assaulted, threatened, or physically or psychologically harmed during the course of their studies or work.
These include verbal and non-verbal insults, humiliation, threats and abuse, social exclusion or the deliberate and persistent stalking or harassment of a person.
1 The term “race” implies the fact that racial categorisation of people is a social construct and has no biological basis.